With the unveiling of Todd Cantwell as a Rangers player, he has received a warm send off from Norwich City with the Norfolk club acknowledging his contribution to their cause.
As a home-grown player, Cantwell was a successful product of the Canaries academy system, making almost 130 appearances in the process including a brace of English Championship winners medals.
The 24-year old was part of Bournemouth’s Championship squad last season, on loan from his then parent club whilst he also gained from significant Premier League exposure at Carrow Road during the 2019/20 campaign.
On his exit, Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber stated the following:
“It is always a poignant day when one of our own leaves the football club. Todd has been a terrific servant to both the club and our wider community and has shared some incredible highs with the football club.”
“We all wish him well in this next step and have no doubt he will have a successful career. Todd and his family will forever be a part of Norwich City and will be welcome back anytime.”
Challenge
What impact can be made by Cantwell at Rangers? Time will tell on that, but he has considerable talent as well as a point to prove. To some, his lack of progress over the last couple of years has came at the expense of establishing himself in the English top flight with Norwich or another club but the fact that hasn’t happened is now Rangers gain with hopefully, the best to come from Cantwell in a blue shirt at Ibrox over the next few years.
There is also the prospect of a return south to the Premier League if he can elevate his form and reputation to a similar level of those others who have made the same step from the Scottish Premiership. If that is to happen, it will be because the player and his new club will have been successful, representing an exciting prospect for Rangers and the supporters.
It’s a significant move to a massive club with an equivalent expectation but Todd Cantwell has been backed by Michael Beale to deliver and very soon, the stage will be his to shine on.